Why is the core of Earth made up predominantly of the heavy element iron?
A) Chemical processes refined iron from iron oxides and other compounds in primordial rocks at the high temperatures of Earth's core, similar to present-day iron ore processing.
B) Nuclear reactions in the very hot early core of Earth produced iron from lighter elements by nuclear fusion.
C) The heavy elements sank slowly to the center during early molten phases in Earth's geological history.
D) The heavy elements came together first out of the primordial dust and gas to form the initial Earth because of their greater density and gravitational attraction, and this core then attracted lighter rocks to its surface.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The heavy elements, including iron, sank to the center of the Earth during its early molten phases due to their greater density compared to lighter elements. This process of differentiation led to the formation of Earth's layered structure, with the densest materials, including iron, forming the core.

Why Is the Core of Earth Made Up Predominantly of the Heavy